TOKYO
Our Dining Moments 2025
Here we delve into the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene. Thanks to countless recommendations from friends, we’ve explored an array of dining options that prove you don’t need to break the bank for a memorable meal in the city. From street-side gems offering authentic, delicious fare at great value, to quaint underground spots and cozy nooks that are almost hidden away, Tokyo’s eateries are as diverse as they are exceptional. Whether you make a reservation or happily join the inevitable queue, the wait is usually worth it. The Japanese are true masters of their craft, and in this post, I’ll share the spots that truly stand out—they wouldn’t be mentioned here otherwise! Join us as we savor each unique dining experience Tokyo has to offer. From Sabine Tatiana Chiara & Carl
Udon Shin – Tokyo [Shinjuku, Yoyogi]
Our first meal in Tokyo was memorable for many reasons—the queue, the heat, but most importantly, the udon, which was well worth the wait. No reservations are taken, and it’s cash-only. We all opted for warm udon, as I’m not a fan of cold noodles myself. Every dish was delicious: Tatiana and Chiara had the Kamatama with Tokachi Parmesan Cheese, Butter, Pepper, and Bacon—essentially a udon carbonara, which they both loved. I had the Kake with Domestic Ribeye and Yuzu Skin, and it was top-notch as well. A cold draft beer in a frozen glass is a must! Udon Shin seats just 14, so you’re cozy, but it’s well worth it. Not exactly a luxury intro to Tokyo, but for any foodie, this authentic and delicious experience is a must.
Ginza Bairin
In the fashionable Ginza area, this small side-street restaurant is a must-visit and certainly offers some of the best tonkatsu I’ve ever had. They serve various traditional dishes, like kurobuta (Berkshire pig) cutlet, original katsu bowls, and shrimp cutlet. Chiara’s shrimp cutlet was out of this world—so light you’d hardly believe it was fried! My Katsu Don transported me back to the days of dining at Kinu at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The katsu sando (pork sandwich) was another winner. Like many places in Tokyo, it’s cash-only and reservations aren’t taken. A perfect day in Ginza: incredible shops, food courts, stunning design, and the best katsu around!
Teppanyaki at The Grand Hyatt Tokyo Roppongi Hills
I couldn’t visit Tokyo without stopping by the Grand Hyatt Tokyo (GHT), which my mentor and dear friend Xavier Destribats opened over 20 years ago. I’ve heard countless stories from Xavier and Christophe Lorvo about this hotel, which holds a special place in Hyatt’s history. But I’ll save those stories for another time and get back to the food! At Keyakizaka, we enjoyed a truly innovative experience with an impressive variety of meats, seafood, and more. The space was fantastic, and our chef was incredibly knowledgeable, preparing a delightful menu that included vegetables, scallops, and meats. A wonderful experience that I’d happily repeat.
No Ramen, No Life! Ginza Kagari (Roppongi Hills)
Another small, no-reservation, cash-only gem that’s brimming with authenticity. Grab a bib, order a couple of cold draft beers, and dive into the delicious ramen options at this Roppongi Hills spot. The girls opted for the chicken ramen, which was the standout, while I had the seafood ramen—good, but not as memorable. Later in Kyoto, we took part in a ramen cooking class, which was fantastic. To all our friends, get ready for “No Ramen, No Life” at the Embos in the years to come!
Le Pristine Tokyo by Sergio Herman
Chef Sergio Herman, a prominent figure in the culinary world, brings his distinctive signature to all his concepts, and Le Pristine is no exception. Located at the Hyatt Toranomon Hills, this ‘New Italian’ casual fine dining restaurant is vibrant and joyful, with cool music, art, design, and fashion. Most importantly, the food is unforgettable! We enjoyed a fabulous meal with GM Guillaume Paupy, with whom I worked over two decades ago at the Grand Hyatt São Paulo. The sauvignon blanc we paired with the meal was outstanding, though its name escapes me! Le Pristine is a must-visit at this beautifully designed Hyatt property—minimalist, efficient, with friendly staff, and a fantastic vibe all around. The location is Triple A, and we highly recommend staying here on your next trip to Tokyo.